An overweight woman has shed 92lbs and become a certified fitness instructor at the age of 45 after vowing to overcome her struggles with obesity after years of fad dieting for the sake of her children.

Sophia Hogan-Booker weighed 222lbs and wore a size 18/20 when she started her weight loss journey in 2013 after years of yo-yo dieting. The mother reached a turning point in her life after she stood up from tying her shoes and felt like she couldn't breathe.

'I knew that I wanted to stay alive and be here for my children and their children,' she told Yahoo Health. 'I had many friends who lost their lives to obesity and I just didn’t want to go that route.'

Amazing transformation: Sophia Hogan-Booker weighed 222lbs and wore a size 18/20 (left) in 2013. A little over two years later, she weighs 130lbs and wears a size 0/2 (right)

Sophia started working with a personal trainer who had her cut out access sugar, soda, fried foods, and white bread in addition to working out three days a week.

She recalled that when she first started the plan she felt like she was going to pass out every time she worked out.

Sophia admitted that she would try to wiggle out of her workouts by telling her trainer Mitchell Edwards that she wasn't available for their scheduled sessions, but he always held her accountable by texting her back: 'See you in a few and don't keep me waiting'.

She also found support from her friend Lasondra, who she said was with her 'every step of the way'.

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In shape: When she was overweight (left), Sophia found herself out of breath when she stood up tying her shoes. Now, at the age of 45, she is a certified spin instructor and licensed Zumba teacher (right)

A little over two years later, Sophia, who is 5'7", weighs 130lbs and wears a size 0/2. She is also a certified spin instructor and licensed Zumba teacher.

'I feel better now in my mid-40s than I did in my 20s,' she explained.

However, Sophia said it took a while for her to get used to her new body, admitting that when she first lost the weight it felt so 'surreal' that she refused to get rid of her bigger clothes.

She finally told herself that she needed to start focusing on her future instead staying stuck in the past.

Disbelief: Sophia said it took a while for her to adjust to her amazing transformation, admitting that she refused to throw away her bigger clothes at first

Only a number: Sophia said she now feels better in her mid-40s than she did when she was in her 20s

As part of her new healthy lifestyle, Sophia works out at least five days a week and has learned how to eat in moderation. And while she said she doesn't diet, she eats plenty of vegetables and fruits and bakes her food instead of frying them.

Sophia said she does allow herself 'cheat days' but said that now that she has changed her eating habits she 'seldom gets those cravings'.

She noted that one of the biggest lessons she has learned has been how to eat in moderation because she has 'always had those types of jobs that led to emotional eating'.

'I still do, but now I have learned to balance the stress with exercise and moderate eating,' she explained.

If Sophia finds herself struggling, she said she will pull up her 'before' and 'after' photos to remind herself why she eats healthy and works out.

'I feel so good at this point in my life that I never want go back there,' she said.